The Wacissa area offers camping options within a 30-mile radius, primarily along the I-10 corridor and near Lake Talquin. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 30-100 feet above sea level in Florida's relatively flat terrain. Winter temperatures average 45-65°F, making it a popular season for campers seeking relief from colder northern climates.
What to do
Fishing at High Bluff: Located within Lake Talquin State Forest, this primitive campground provides excellent fishing access with a dedicated pier and boat ramp. A camper noted, "Caught a beautiful sunset over the lake and saw a massive gator hanging out by the fishing pier. The gator was back in the morning as I was enjoying my cup of coffee out on the pier!"
Wildlife viewing at Newport Park: This campground sits across from St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, creating abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor shared, "The St. Marks lighthouse is so close and a must see during all times of the day. We visited at least twice, once to walk along the beach and the second time to see the sunset."
Hiking at Coe Landing Campground: While the campground itself is small, nearby trail networks offer extensive hiking options. "Great hiking with huge trail network at Fort Braden on adjacent property but the bummer is that there was way to connect to them from campground due to swamp and geography. As a result, had to drive about 3 miles to trailheads to walk my pups," explains one reviewer.
What campers like
Lake views: Many campsites near Wacissa offer direct water access or views. At High Bluff Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "You have to love the lonelyness here. On the weekend there have been three other parties with tents. From Sunday to Monday we have been the only ones. Then it becomes really lonely, dark and quiet out here."
Clean facilities: Cleanliness stands out as a priority for many campers in the region. At Tallahassee RV Park, a camper observed, "Absolutely beautiful! Tall trees and spacious spaces. Full hookups. They rake the spaces so they're nice and even. We still had a slight slope but not a big deal."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates compared to other Florida destinations. At Newport Park Campground, "I'm a tent camper. The location is a good jumping off point for seeing nearby attractions. The host is very nice and the place has decent washroom/shower facilities. $15 nightly fee."
What you should know
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit close to major highways, which affects noise levels. At A Stone's Throw RV Park, campers report: "This RV park is right off I-10 making it great for overnighters. All the sites are pull-through making late arrival less stressful. The only complaint is minor...traffic noise due to the close proximity to I-10."
Seasonal pricing: Rates can fluctuate significantly during peak times. One visitor to Tallahassee RV Park reported, "Was about double the nightly rate ($90!!!!!) due to a FSU football game over the weekend but the place was only about 25% of capacity. Maybe because of crazy mark up policy."
Limited facilities at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. At High Bluff, a camper notes: "No power, no water, no WiFi, no store. T-Mobile was very good with 300+ Mbps. The last 3 miles are dirt road, but in good condition as long as you can stay in the middle without traffic."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Tallahassee RV Park, "They have a pool, playground, and a clubhouse. We used our starlink with no problem."
Educational opportunities: The surrounding natural areas provide learning experiences for children. At Newport Park Campground, "We visited Alligator Point and Bald Point State Park. We saw a bald eagle and so many other species of birds."
Spacing between sites: Consider how close campsites are when traveling with families. A visitor to Big Oak RV Park observed, "The campsites are right next to each other but it was very quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Check campground specifications for your RV size. At Big Oak RV Park, sites include "Gravel and grass with a small concrete pad."
Accessibility: Many campgrounds cater specifically to RVs with easy access. At A Stone's Throw RV Park, "This RV park is right off I-10 making it great for overnighters. All the sites are pull-through making late arrival less stressful."
Leveling considerations: Some sites require adjustments for optimal comfort. At Tallahassee RV Park, "They rake the spaces so they're nice and even. We still had a slight slope but not a big deal. Very quiet and beautiful!"
